Naim speakers Vs. Non-Naim speakers

When buying speakers, I didn't have space for a floorstander, which pretty much cancelled out the entire Naim range! So I had to look elsewhere.

After listening to a great collection of units from B&W, Epos, Mission, Kef etc I ended up buying a pair of Dynaudio Audience 40's. They are not the be all and end all of speakers but they are excellent at what they do, ideally I would like to get Contour 1.1's but at the time I couldn't afford them.

The best suggestioin anyone can make is to listen to some alternatives and see what you reckon, the Allaes are gorgeous, but the price tag is a little much for me too!

I think it's all a question of personal preferences.
Frankly I don't think I've yet heard a Naim speaker that I like, much prefering the Linns that I found/bought.

Based on that, I'd suggest that Naim clearly have their own "sound", and that you'll either love it or hate it.

If you've already tried it and like it, I cannot imagine anything else getting close. Keep your eyes peeled for ex dem bargains or similar.

I was in a dealer the other day who recommended Dynaudio Contour 1.1s with a NAIT5 and CD5 and - in a word - wow! Unbelievably good sound from a small speaker. So I'm getting a pair of them (they're pricey though but the dealer is bundling some nice Soundstyle sounds for free!)

- Andrew

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Originally posted by cyu:
Hi

WOuld you recommend NIAM 112/150/Cd5 with Naim speakers, such as Intro 2 or Credo, or Non-Naim speakers (i.e. Dynaudio, Epos, B&W, etc)?

I was at a local Naim dealer and he played the store demo series 5 with Naim Alleae (spell?)and it was amazingly good. the thing it is little too expensive for my current budget and lookign for a pair around $1000. I found Credo, but not quite sure if the sound would be as nearly good as Naim Allae?

I would appreciate if anyone could share thought on this matter.
Thanks

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Speakers are so personal its hard to answer this directly.

I've been around with non-Naim speakers - lived with B&W's and ProAcs for years and just got through home-demoing Totems, B&W's (again), and Meadowlarks. Ended up with the Allaes.

Due to the depreciation on speakers, I would avoid the "buy Credos now and plan on Allaes later" strategy unless you find a used pair of Credos that you can move on later with little or no loss. Otherwise it seems false economy to me.

- GregB

Insert Witty Signature Line Here

Cyu !

A thought that chosing a speakers is matter of personal taste worth same for amplifiers for example. I don't see any reason which takes speakers to upper level of delicacy. People likes and dislikes every component.
Having all Naim electronics and be sceptical to their speakers have no sense for me.
what's wrong with Intro2 for example? Which speakers will sounds better than Intros in their price range driving with Naim electronics
Linn Kan, Ninka maybe or Epos and Dynaudio? Gimme a break!
I believe that people who own Naim electronics bring Naim speakers at home which are mostly not properly burned in and they need to know that they listen to NEW Naim speakers and improvements of well burned in Naim speakers is so much more noticeble than any other I know. I know one forum member from Sweden who are sold SBL and now have NBL. 6 months he was thinking that he was made downgrade, but after more than 6 months NBLs was really suprised him how much better they are in order to SBL.
Everything what Naim speakers buyers need is PATIENCE.

Ozren

Ozren

Not true - Naim speakers have very specific placement requirements - if the room does not have wall space for the speakers then go look/listen elsewhere.

Derek

<<Have you checked your PTs today>>

Derek !

You are right, but that is not so often.
I was thinking on "normal" room.
My Intros are placed in 4X4.5 m room and they really sounds good, no boom or anything unwanted.
(What did you neam by PT, a private topic maybe? If yes, checked it, but nothing new there.)

Ozren

Ozren

Dangerous stuff when we use the word "normal" <g> wars have been started as a result of less contentious sentiments <g>

The PT message is a "Public Service Announcement" as there has been some discussion that PT notifications not appearing via email

Derek

<<Have you checked your PTs today>>

I decided I liked Naim a fair while back and through upgrades have heard a few speakers, many of which sound very good (perhaps that's the electronics for you) but I still love the balance that my 'round' (as opposed to flat!) Sonus Faber Concertos give. It's a great mix of Naim rhythm, plus the beautiful midband found in so many Italian speakers. And they look nice...

New, they're outside budget but I see 2nd hand Sonus Fabers advertised sometimes here

I have Dynaudio Audience 50's with my CD5/112/150/FC2, I am very happy with them and it will be some time before a speaker upgrade.

I had them before I got the 112/150/FC2 and bought them because I got them 2nd hand for £250. If you really want Allae's but haven't the budget yet, go 2nd hand as an interim measure there are lots of good speakers out there.

Olly

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Greg Beatty:
Speakers are so personal its hard to answer this directly.

I've been around with non-Naim speakers - lived with B&W's and ProAcs for years and just got through home-demoing Totems, B&W's (again), and Meadowlarks. Ended up with the Allaes.

Understanding you didn't chopose them, which MNeadowlarks di you audition and how did you like them? After spending years with various satellite/sub combos, I now have the Meadowlark Blue Herons an enjoy them immensly.

Mike